Speaker of Parliament Dr Abass Bundu has called a Stakeholders Consultative Meeting intending to address the upcoming toll gate price increases that are scheduled to go into effect on March 1, 2024. The purpose of the meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at noon in Committee Room One of Parliament, is to encourage collaboration and communication among important stakeholders to identify workable solutions for the toll gate charges problem.
Representatives from various organisations, such as the Attorney General’s Office, the Motor Drivers Union, the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, SLRA, SLRSA, CRSG, and Civil Society Organisations, are expected to attend the meeting. Given the suggested modifications to the toll gate price, these stakeholders must work together.
The Minister of Works, Dr. Denis Sandi, announced that there will be major increases in the toll gate fees for various vehicle categories. Now, Keke groups will pay NLe 3, taxis NLe 5, light and compact vans NLe 40, and heavy-duty vehicles NLe 700. Minibuses, SUVs, and pickup trucks will cost NLe 10. Group 6 fuel tankers will now pay a toll of NLe 250 only when they are fully loaded, as opposing stakeholders have expressed concerns and conversations about the decision to increase toll gate fees, which makes the upcoming consultative meeting an essential forum for communication and decision-making.
